monocle
UK[ˈmɒn.ə.kəl]US[ˈmɑː.nə.kəl]
n
a single eyeglass, kept in position by the muscles around the eye.
Morpheme Breakdown
mono
cle
mono
single
cle
small instrument
Etymology
the word monocle is a modern creation, entering english in the early 19th century. it is formed from the greek-derived prefix 'mono-', meaning 'single', and the latin-derived diminutive suffix '-cle', which indicates a small object. the logic is transparent: a 'monocle' is literally a 'small, single' lens for seeing, as opposed to a pair of spectacles. this hybrid construction reflects the common practice in scientific and technical vocabulary of combining classical elements to create precise new terms.
Analysis
Structure: mono (single) + cle (small instrument)
'mono' is a combining form from greek 'monos', meaning 'single, alone'. 'cle' is a diminutive suffix from latin '-culus', indicating a small version of something.
Examples
the elderly gentleman adjusted his monocle to read the fine print on the document.
in many old portraits, aristocrats are depicted wearing a monocle as a symbol of sophistication.
he fumbled and dropped his monocle into his teacup, much to his embarrassment.